What are the refrigerant management rules in Quebec?

Refrigerant management in Quebec is regulated by Environment Canada and CSA B52:

Essential rules:

• Mandatory recovery: All refrigerant must be recovered before opening a system (repair, demolition, disposal). Intentional release into the atmosphere is prohibited and subject to fines up to $50,000
• Mandatory certification: Anyone handling refrigerants must hold refrigerant handling certification (OBNL — Certification body). Renewal every 5 years
• Refrigerant logbook: Installations with more than 10 kg of refrigerant must maintain a logbook of quantities added and removed, with dates and signatures
• Leak detection: Systems containing more than 50 kg of high-GWP refrigerant must be equipped with a permanent leak detector and undergo leak inspections every 3 to 12 months depending on system size

Ecological transition:

• R-404A (GWP 3,922): Banned in new equipment since 2020
• R-134a (GWP 1,430): Being phased out in new installations
• Alternatives: R-448A, R-449A, R-290 (propane), R-744 (CO₂), ammonia (NH₃)